BELFAST security and systems firm ESS says its apprenticeship programme has been "key to our service delivery" throughout the ongoing pandemic, during which it has continued delivering essential services across some of the north’s most vital sectors and projects.
And the company, established 46 years ago, says it remains committed to its approach to apprenticeships to enhance employability and support economic growth
From protecting national infrastructure, supporting the supply of power and energy to homes and businesses, to ‘feeding the nation’, working with a number of Northern Ireland’s largest food providers, ESS says it has played a key role in keeping the wheels turning locally.
"Key to that service provision has been the expertise and commitment of our young apprentices, who have been working directly on vital projects throughout the last few months," the firm's non-executive chairman Paul Campbell said.
ESS embarked on a re-energised apprenticeship programme in 2016, taking on apprentice numbers up to 25 per cent of its workforce, with the majority still employed at the business.
Apprentices work with ESS in areas of engineering including electronic programming and systems installation, service and maintenance.
Campbell added: “Our apprenticeship programme is providing meaningful workplace opportunities to young people, while also playing a vital role in the local economy.
“All current apprentices have shown strong commitment, skill and adherence to safety measures throughout the last three to four months, and we are keen to stress their importance and value to the business at this time.”
Third year engineering apprentice Declan Carson said: “Covid-19 has brought huge challenges right across society and the economy in 2020. But in working for ESS throughout this period, I'm proud to have played a small role in supporting people and our essential services.
“My apprenticeship here has enabled me to gain first-hand industry experience at a critical time, shadowing senior engineers and working on big projects.
“It has been a steep learning curve, but through both ESS and Belfast Met, I have gained a solid grounding in the skills required for a career in the security industry, and as of today I have completed my level two and three City and Guilds Intruder Alarm course and electronic principles qualifications.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak recently announced a new apprenticeship scheme which will be created to encourage companies to take on young people, while Stormont economy minister Diane Dodds has highlighted the need to enhance the supply of skills to support the economy in key sectors such as engineering and construction.
